Zhagaram Review
Zhagaram - An admirable endeavor given the budget of 10 Lakhs.
Krish, the young director of Zhagaram, garnered significant attention a few months prior when he announced his endeavor to create a feature-length film with a modest budget of 10 lakhs rupees. Given the limitations he likely faced, the filmmaker has successfully produced a polished and engaging work.
The preview reveals that Akhilan (Nandha) is a young man whose grandfather, a librarian, is murdered by unidentified individuals. On his birthday, Akhilan suffers an injury in an accident, and his father presents him with a birthday gift left by the deceased. This gift is a dice, which prompts Akhilan and his friends to investigate a cryptic phone call that informs them they are being monitored. The caller instructs them to lead him to a treasure. The narrative of 'Zhagaram' revolves around the quest for this treasure, the identity of the enigmatic caller, and whether they can achieve their goal amidst a series of betrayals and challenges.
Nandha, portraying Akhilan, exhibits remarkable fitness and convincingly embodies a young man, thereby adding authenticity to the character of the hesitant treasure hunter. His performance elevates the film, granting it a commendable stature. Eden Kuriokose is presented as an archaeologist; however, her role lacks scenes that substantiate her profession. Nonetheless, she fulfills the requirements of a duet and the essential lead heroine role. The two actors portraying the hero's friends deliver commendable performances, while Kothandam takes on a role that deviates from his usual comedic style.
What stands out in 'Zhagaram' is its impressive visual presentation, especially considering its limited budget. The graphics illustrating narratives about Manimegalai, Jesus, Prophet Mohammad, and the ancient Kumari Kandam serve as delightful diversions. The film introduces a novel concept regarding treasure and its implications, with significant references to the rich Tamil heritage woven throughout the storyline.
However, it is worth noting that the director has overly depended on dialogue to convey all the information. As a result, the tension remains stagnant, and the screenplay ultimately loses momentum.
The musical score, composed by Dharankumar, features one enchanting track, while his background music evokes an ancient ambiance during scenes involving treasure or fables, although it occasionally becomes overwhelming and disruptive. The cinematography, managed by Joe, Prince Das, and Bharadwaj, is commendable, particularly in the expansive aerial shots and select interior scenes. Venkat Lakshmanan has ensured a seamless flow with his editing, and both art director Sajeevan A.M. and the entire VFX and animation team deserve recognition for their contributions. Krish, the young director, merits commendation for successfully adapting the novel "Project AK" by Kava Kamz, achieving the remarkable feat of producing a feature-length film on a modest budget of 10 lakh rupees. He has effectively demonstrated that, despite numerous challenges, he has delivered a product that exceeds average expectations and is a director to keep an eye on in the future.
Kumari Kandam
🎬 Movie: Zhagaram
📅 Year: 2019
🔊 League: Tamil
🔅 IMDB: 5.3
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